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Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad

Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad That Bursts with Fresh Flavor

Discover a vibrant Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad, perfect for meal prep and gatherings, combining fresh ingredients for a quick and flavorful dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 ounces short pasta (penne or fusilli) whole wheat or gluten-free works too
  • 4 cups arugula or substitute with baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup basil leaves torn by hand
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup walnuts toasted and chopped
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated; use vegan parmesan for a dairy-free option
  • 1 medium lemon for zest and juice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil high-quality
  • 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon capers
  • 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup for vegan option
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • pot
  • colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden. Cool and chop into pieces.
  2. Zest and juice two fresh lemons, tear basil leaves, halve cherry tomatoes, and grate parmesan cheese.
  3. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and do not rinse.
  4. In a bowl, whisk lemon juice, zest, vinegar, mustard, capers, honey, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in olive oil.
  5. Combine warm pasta with dressing, then fold in walnuts, parmesan, tomatoes, and basil.
  6. Just before serving, fold in arugula and adjust seasoning before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Serve immediately or let it rest briefly for flavors to meld. Ideal for summer gatherings or meal prep.

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